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Post Info TOPIC: Do I need a regulator?
Collo


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Do I need a regulator?
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Just bought a couple of solar panels. They come with a Anderson plug. Can I connect direct to the van, or do I need a regulator to stop over charging the batteries?

Will the invertor in the van do the same job?

Thanks,

Collo.



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Whenarewethere


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If it is a 20 watt panel or less you can get away with it as a trickle charger on a large battery but when the sun is not shining on the panel its voltage will be lower than the battery & will start drawing power from the battery so you will need a diode.

More than 20 watts, buy a good quality regulator so you don't stuff the battery it the long run. Put the regulator as close as reasonably possible to the battery. If you do this you get the most out of the regulator & the battery will last longer.

Shortcuts are more expensive in the long run.



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Peter_n_Margaret


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I suggest that 20W is also too big to use without a regulator, especially if you have just one 100Ah battery.
An inverter (if that is actually what you have) does an entirely different job and will provide absolutely no protection for the battery.
You need to consult directly with someone with knowledge of these things before you make an expensive mistake, or worse, cause a fire.
Cheers,
Peter

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Jaahn


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Collo wrote:

Just bought a couple of solar panels. They come with a Anderson plug. Can I connect direct to the van, or do I need a regulator to stop over charging the batteries?

Will the invertor in the van do the same job?

Thanks,

Collo.

 Hi Collo smile

you have already been told but i will repeat. YES YOU NEED A REGULATOR. The inverter has nothing to do with the solar panels.

If you tell us a bit more about what you have, the panels, the battery and what is in the van we could give some more informed opinions.hmm

jaahn



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Collo


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Downloaded the manual....it comes with a regulator, so all good.



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Corndoggy


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You said a couple of panels. Does each panel have it's own regulator on it.



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Aus-Kiwi


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Are you adding to existing solar ? Theres plenty of info out there. Check Pinterest , YouTube etc and follow exactly what they have done . Dont scrimp on wire size . Yes use a regulator! Some panels have built in regs . Why the questions . Solar is not expensive . Can be if done wrong !!

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